[A validated new classification for intervertebral disk degeneration].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new validated classification of intervertebral disc degeneration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational single-center study included medical records of patients with and without degenerative disease of lumbar intervertebral discs. The interval values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of intervertebral discs were grouped into degeneration classes.

RESULTS: The study included medical records of 100 patients. A quantitative analysis of data showed that mean ADC has a significant correlation with severity of lumbosacral disc degeneration according to classification by Pfirrmann et al. Lumbar intervertebral discs with degeneration grade 3-4 were less homogeneous compared to grade 2-3. Among discs with degeneration grade 4, mean ADC was significantly higher in case of hernia ( p =0.01). Conversely, mean ADC was significantly higher in the absence of hernia for discs grade 3 ( p =0.04). Combination of all data is presented as original classification of lumbosacral disc degeneration based on mean ADC.

CONCLUSION: The developed classification can be recommended for radiologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons.